Australia v Turkey: World Cup 2026 – live

Vancouver hosts the Group D opener as Australia face Turkey at Vancouver Stadium (BC Place). Turkey, making only their third World Cup and their first since 2002, start as clear favourites; captain Hakan Calhanoglu described his side as "more talented" and predicted they would "dominate" the game.

Australians have a visible presence in the city: roughly 25,000 people in Canada named Australia as their birthplace in the 2021 census, almost half living in British Columbia. There are Australian-owned businesses such as the bakery Peaked Pies and the pub Moose’s Down Under, and Great Bear Lodge is managed by Australian Marg Leehane.

Fans are arriving to the sound of Waltzing Matilda, marching into BC Place where the air is muggy under the translucent roof. Three hours before kick-off police outside the stadium reported no incidents; the Socceroos walked off their team bus in dark suits and ties, with Tony Popovic in all-black.

Canada, Vancouver

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